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Every day, multiple sclerosis throws challenges our way. Some of them are physical; many of them. Others include cognitive challenges, social challenges and psychological challenges. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could turn the tables? With a new program announced yesterday, we just might be able to.

In conjunction with Genzyme, the National MS Society offers all of us the opportunity to learn how “positive psychology” can be harnessed and possibly help us live with the other issues of MS.

According to a press release that landed in my e-mail yesterday, “Positive psychology, the scientific study of what makes people thrive, has found a strong connection between an individual’s mindset, social support system and wellbeing.” We’ve talked about a positive attitude being important to us in these pages many times before. We’ve also noted before that attitude isn’t always enough. Maybe it’s just because we don’t know exactly how to focus this attitude.

This new program will teach positive psychology by teaming renowned psychology expert and former Harvard University lecturer Shawn Achor with Kristen Adams, a mom and Emmy-award winning producer living with MS, and Michelle Clos, a life coach certified by the International Coach Federation who is also living with MS. Throughout the course of the Everyday Matters program, Shawn, Kristen and Michelle will work hand-in-hand with five individuals affected by MS from across the country as they map out strategies for achieving a specific goal or addressing a specific challenge in their everyday life.

And YOU could be one of those five lucky people to have the in person training with this illustrious team!

All you have to do is visit everydayMSmatters.org and learn how to submit your story.

Beginning now through June 13, 2012, interested individuals can visit the site to submit their stories for consideration by the Everyday Matters team, or vote on the challenge, topic or goal that is most important to them. Participants are asked to share a particular “everyday” challenge they would like to overcome or a goal they want to achieve.

Stories can be shared through video or text and photos. All story submissions will be eligible for consideration for a personal coaching opportunity with the Everyday Matters team. Five participants, each representing a different challenge or goal, will be selected to attend a weekend workshop with the team in Denver, Colorado from July 13 – 15, 2012, and will receive six months of personal coaching from Michelle. Each participant’s journey will come to life through a video series produced by Kristen and showcased on the website.

For far (some would say “Far, FAR”) too long, the majority of focus by many in the MS Community has been on medications and the physical barriers multiple sclerosis puts in our way. The National MS Society has heard that and is offering all of us a chance to use the power of the positive to help us live our lives. Even if we don’t get to be one of the five “winners” who get to go and work hands-on with this team, we can ALL learn something new.

So, how about it? Who’s going to share their story and learn to live better, in spite of Multiple Sclerosis?

Important: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not Everyday Health. See More

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